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12 February 2013, 12:32 PM | #1 |
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'Gator for my 233 - help selecting type plz
I'm working with John on a new strap - I need an elegant black strap that I can wear both to work in a suit as well as with a nice dress shirt & jeans, etc.
First it was Ostrich vs. Alligator but I can't deal with the "bumps" on the Ostrich so it's going to be 'gator. Then I realized I only own one gator strap - a very straightforward flat-textured (smooth) surface. In comparison, hornback always caught my eye but I think it might be too much for the 233, particularly since I will have the strap padded closer to the lugs. Then I came across a few posts here of "baby hornback" and I thought to myself that might be the way to go. What would you guys recommend among the three? Let me throw Caiman croc into the mix as well. I understand that there's a difference between the regular and "leg" sections of this beast... Your input would be very much appreciated (pics are a bonus )
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12 February 2013, 01:05 PM | #2 |
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Here's my favorite
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12 February 2013, 01:19 PM | #3 |
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12 February 2013, 08:31 PM | #4 |
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Nice combo!
That looks sharp, sir! What type of gator is it (or what part of the skin)? Is it padded or simply lined?
Merci
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13 February 2013, 12:06 AM | #5 |
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I've tried the antique brown, golden brown & black with ecru stitch gators on my 233 and didn't like any of them. For me they are too shiny & don't work so well with the domed crystal. Mike's black gator above looks nice.
My favorites right now (along with the OEM tunnel) are the antique black calf, tan calf & dark brown assolutamente. |
13 February 2013, 06:58 AM | #7 |
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thank you Mike
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13 February 2013, 08:02 AM | #8 |
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Funny enough, I've been in the hunt for a few days for a black gator that's rugged, thick and casual, as opposed to dressy. If I come across what I've been looking for, I'll let you know.
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13 February 2013, 08:51 AM | #9 | |||
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Quote:
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I'm also thinking about letting John "antique" it, like he did with this grey camo alligator: It has a more "flat" reflection (or lack thereof) as opposed to a more classic finish like his normal finish: On another note, I'd like to get a belly vs. hornback opinion from someone - preferably someone that ones both In the meantime, I've come to learn that "baby hornback" refers to caiman croc only.
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13 February 2013, 07:55 PM | #10 |
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13 February 2013, 09:09 PM | #11 |
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Looking good, sir
A few words to back up that great pic would go a long way; how thick is the strap - what's it lined with, is it supple or stiff, etc. Merci
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13 February 2013, 09:18 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
thanks. the best part about the strap is definitely the look. it's a tad thin, not very supple and not of the best quality i'm afraid, but, at the price point, it's not bad at all. |
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13 February 2013, 09:34 PM | #13 |
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Well it does look damn good, I'll give you that
But it confirms what I heard - that (good quality) American Alligator trumps Caiman Croc... . A real shame though because I like the smaller "horns" on the Caiman then the bigger ones found on gator. I think the AA HB will be overkill for the 233, but I can't be sure 'till I see some photos and/or hear it from an [ex-]owner... So far I'm leaning towards padded belly, maybe with a dull ("antiqued") finish... lining will be black eel for sure - love the pattern of eel
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13 February 2013, 10:04 PM | #14 |
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I've had a similar dilemma with the 233. What I found is that it doesn't really match well with the ecru stitching. That's why I think the black stitching on black gator works best (better). Mikes pic makes it look really nice. I have the OEM black gator with ecru stitch. I'll try and find a pic after my vacation to do a comparison with Mikes.
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14 February 2013, 12:34 AM | #15 |
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Fav is black OEM gator for my 233.
Regards. |
14 February 2013, 08:21 AM | #16 | |
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Quote:
Check this out - one fantastic strap indeed. The question is ...does it fits the 233...
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14 February 2013, 11:42 AM | #17 |
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14 February 2013, 12:16 PM | #18 |
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I love the AP Safari look it has working for it.
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14 February 2013, 11:58 PM | #19 | |
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Here's another all black strap. It's the OEM buffalo. It's a really nice strap but lacks the character of the gators.
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15 February 2013, 12:30 AM | #20 | |
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I guess I see your point... I usually like my straps with hi-contrast thread but in this case, "going dark" may be best...
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15 February 2013, 12:33 AM | #21 |
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17 February 2013, 03:57 AM | #22 | |
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I'll keep an eye open for a decent matte black gator w/ black stitch and try it out. Thanks for the pics and suggestions. |
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20 February 2013, 12:21 AM | #23 | ||
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Here goes nothing... !
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Black horn-back, ~ satin to matte finish, 24/24 (non-tapered) Dark-grey eel lining Black (or charcoal) linen thread fat "free-floating" keeper I was wearing my Tora w/ classic alligator today* and decided it had to be horn-back for the 233. The only belly I could see on a 233 is vintage, as everyone has been suggesting, but I can't find any (in black). My next grey strap will be a vintage grey w/black thread & black eel - similar to the one I pictured way above (also from John). But I need black right now, so satin-matte horn-back it is... *classic black alligator belly strap, nice, but not for my 233.
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20 February 2013, 02:47 AM | #24 | |
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this sounds GOOD! definitely looking forward to seeing the end result. |
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27 February 2013, 12:15 AM | #25 |
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ImageUploadedByTapatalk1361887984.249372.jpg
Don't flame me for this. But I blackened out the ecru stitching to make it all black. I can't get a good picture but I think it goes much better now with the 233. PS. It's a second hand OEM gator that was lying around taking dust. So what the heck. :-). Just did it!
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27 February 2013, 12:16 AM | #26 |
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27 February 2013, 12:50 AM | #27 |
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Looks good, Bryan!
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27 February 2013, 06:43 AM | #28 | |
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Quote:
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27 February 2013, 08:11 AM | #29 |
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Good thinking! Turns out its kinda tough to find a decently priced OEM black gator/black stitch for tang. Most of the black/black gators floating around are PAM 104 straps for deployant. I ordered the Panatime matte Louisiana alligator for tang and it was close, but I'm spoiled after wearing OEM for years & it had to be returned. Guess I'll have to pay up for the real thing.
Anxious to see how that black hornback turns out. |
27 February 2013, 12:41 PM | #30 |
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Hi guys...
I just used a black marker pen to paint over the ecru stitching. Don't think there was anything special about the pen, but it did say "oil based" if that matters. The black paint is almost a perfect match with the black leather. If you look very closely at it though - you can make out a slight purplish tinge, but its hardly noticeable. And this morning, it seems to be soaked into the leather so its almost invisible. The whole process was nerve racking. I did try it on the back of the keeper stitch first and the color went on well so off I went with the rest. And Traveller, thanks for the tip. I rubbed it with white tissue and a very small amount of black came off so I guess its not 100% guaranteed not to stain your shirts. Anyways, I'm happy with the outcome so far.
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